From majestic peaks to rich, fertile valleys, the mountains of North Carolina have drawn travelers since the beginning of time. One of the best paved scenic routes in the Nantahala National Forest that receives relatively little traffic is Wayeh Road (State Route 1310). It is part of the Mountain Waters National Scenic Byway. This curvy, mostly mountain highway stays next to the bubbling Nantahala River as far as Nantahala Lake. It then takes an eastward course along Jarrett Creek and Wayeh Creek. A side road to the north, Forest Road 69, ends at Wayeh Blad, at one time a treeless knob at an elevation of 5,342 feet. Trees have encroached on the bald, with only a small, mowed grassy area left at the turnaround on the summit. Vegetation near the summit is still interesting, with white rhododendron, a white flowering azalea, flame azalea and mountain laurel prominently blooming in June. Other trees at the summit include black oak, northern red oak, white oak, yellow birch and basswood. A very short hike to the stone lookout is worth taking. The square tower dates back to 1937 and the views from the top are incomparable on clear days. Both the Appalachian Trail and the Bartram Trail cross Wayeh Bald, and the shorter Rufus Morgan and Shot Pouch trails are accessed from the road to the summit. On the way to the bald, the now-abandoned Wilson Lick Ranger Station may be observed. Built in 1916, this was the first ranger station in the Nantahala National Forest. The station is surrounded by a forest of oaks, hemlock and white pine.
Between Wayeh Crest and Franklin, along the Wayeh Road, is Arrowwood Glade Picnic Area in a scenic settling along a mountain stream. South of Arrowwod Glade and west of Milksick Knob is 60-foot Rough Fork Falls, reached from the Rufus Morgan Trailhead off of Forest Road 388.
Mountain Waters National Scenic Byway continues on U.S. Highway 64 from Franklin to Highlands. It goes through Callusaja Gorge where several waterfalls are easy to observe. Cullasaja Falls is where the Cullasaja River drops dramatically for 250 feet into a deep, rocky gorge. A little farther south is Dry Falls with an adjacent parking area. Several stone steps lead to this mighty falls that plummets for 40 feet, surrounded by lush vegetation. The trail permits visitors to walk behind the falls to another observation point on the other side. In fact, this great falls is called Dry Falls because you can walk behind it and stay dry, but that is not always the case. Still father south on State Route 28 is Bridal Veil Falls. A spur road lets you drive behind this misty falls.